Meet Fenton High Principal Todd Leden
Meet the Principal is an occasional series introducing readers to the men and women who sit in the corner offices of schools across DuPage County. Beyond learning why they entered education, you'll find personal details, such as whether they head to the North or South Side for a baseball game. We hope you enjoy getting to know them as much as we have.
Todd Leden, principal, Fenton High School, Bensenville, Fenton High School District 100
Age: 40
Family: Wife, Jennifer (will not her tell age), sons Andrew, 6, Evan, 1, and daughter Alexa, 4
Grew up in: Aurora
Ultimate pet: Large dog for protection, potty trained from birth with no shedding
What's your education philosophy in one sentence? A gradual shift from the term "teachers" to "advocates of learning." Education is not about the dispensing of information, but students acquiring knowledge.
Personal hero: Parents Otto and Shari Leden.
How did you wind up in education? The example of many former teachers, primarily Don Davidson of Aurora Christian.
What is your dream vacation? One large vacation that encompasses half of it seeing the Seven Wonders of the World and the other half with my family, a hut, a beach and no cell towers.
If you won the biggest lottery in history you'd … take care of family and close friends' debts, give most of it away to charitable organizations.
Cubs or Sox? A different color sock -- the Red Sox. If I had to choose, though, it would be the White Sox.
Musical guilty pleasures? Not much of a music guy, no time at home to listen. Either the Score or ESPN on the radio.
If you could invite one literary character to dinner, who would you pick and why? Holden Caulfield: that kid would be quite entertaining.
Favorite childhood book? "Where the Red Fern Grows"
Bungee jumping, rappelling or parachuting? I would not do any of the three, but, if I had to, it would be parachuting -- longer time in the air to have a look-see.
What's the most innovative program you've seen so far at school? I don't know if it is the most innovative, but I like that parents can access the students' grades online.
Latest new "it" word you've heard from a student? I hear the kids use the word "dude" for male or females. Not a new word at all but still seems en vogue.
What lasting impression do you hope to leave? I cared about students and worked well with teachers to advance education here at Fenton.
What's the worst influence on today's youth? Any electronic media or device that keeps kids from thinking on their own.
What's the thing that makes today's teens distinct? Developing their own language of texting.
If you could change one thing about the world it would be … to eradicate cancer.
If you could paint your office any color it would be … I have yet to decorate with pictures or anything, so any color would be the first.